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Hands-on program begins January 2027 as the first step toward a planned associate degree in Critical Facilities Technology
OZARK, Ark. (Nov. 11, 2026) — Arkansas Tech University–Ozark and Serverfarm today announced a new workforce partnership to help prepare Arkansans for careers in data centers and other critical facility operations, including the types of roles that will be needed at the data center campus being built in Clarksville. The 180-hour critical facilities training program begins in January 2027.
Education, industry and state leaders unveiled the program at a roundtable at the ATU Ozark campus. Speakers included Dr. Russell Jones, president of Arkansas Tech University; Dr. Sheila R. Jacobs, chancellor of Arkansas Tech University–Ozark; Avner Papouchado, chief executive officer of Serverfarm; Maria Rodriguez, chief people officer of Serverfarm; Mike Whitman, vice president of operations for North America at Serverfarm; State Representative Aaron Pilkington, District 45; Chase Carter, assistant superintendent of the Clarksville School District; and Arkansas Tech University–Ozark students.
“At ATU Ozark, our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that connects students directly to meaningful career opportunities while meeting the workforce needs of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Sheila R. Jacobs, chancellor of Arkansas Tech University–Ozark. “Our partnership with Serverfarm is an excellent example of that mission in action. What makes this partnership especially exciting is our commitment to build upon this training to establish an associate degree pathway that will continue to meet the needs of students and strengthen our local workforce. I am especially grateful to work with a team of people who are flexible and willing to do what it takes to meet industry needs and serve students.”
Data centers depend on skilled technicians who can keep power and cooling systems running without interruption. Serverfarm will help shape the curriculum around real-world job requirements, while ATU Ozark delivers the instruction. The program combines 128 hours of supervised, hands-on lab and simulation training with 52 hours of classroom instruction in electrical power, cooling and refrigeration, backup systems, controls and maintenance. The training is the first step toward a proposed two-year associate degree in Critical Facilities Technology, anticipated to launch in fall 2027.
“When we choose to build in a community, we want the people who live there to build their careers with us,” said Avner Papouchado, chief executive officer of Serverfarm. “Our Clarksville campus will bring more than 2,000 construction jobs, 200 permanent, high-paying Serverfarm jobs and approximately 1,000 additional campus jobs to the River Valley. Partnering with ATU Ozark means Arkansans can gain the skills to fill those roles without leaving home, and it reflects our long-term commitment to this region.”
“Every data center we operate depends on technicians who know how to keep power and cooling running around the clock,” said Mike Whitman, vice president of operations, North America at Serverfarm. “We worked side by side with ATU Ozark to translate what our facilities actually require into a curriculum, and to make sure students train on the same kinds of equipment they would find inside a working data center. We want our operations staff to come from the communities around us, and this program gives local residents a direct path into those careers.”
The program requires no prior data center experience and is open to both new job seekers and current workers looking to build facilities skills. The first cohort is expected to include 12 to 15 students. For eligible participants, Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship funds will cover the cost of training, and ATU Ozark staff are available to help with the application.
The partnership builds on Serverfarm’s broader investment in the community. The company recently donated $150,000 to the Clarksville School District to support free student meals, teacher classroom grants and improving athletic facilities.
About Arkansas Tech University–Ozark
Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus is recognized as one of the most affordable and accessible trade schools in Arkansas, providing hands-on training that prepares students for in-demand careers. As a respected two-year college in Arkansas, ATU Ozark offers technical programs, workforce development, and academic pathways designed to fit your goals. Students benefit from small class sizes, supportive faculty, and career-focused learning that leads directly to employment opportunities.
Contact: Charis Fox, cfox15@atu.edu
About Serverfarm
Serverfarm is a leading developer, operator, and manager of large-scale, high-performance data center infrastructure, purpose-built for next-generation digital workloads. With more than 25 years of experience across the full infrastructure lifecycle, from site acquisition and design through construction and operations, the company delivers scalable, mission-critical infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of its customers and the communities in which it operates.
Working closely with its customers, Serverfarm designs, builds, and operates infrastructure that supports evolving performance and scale while emphasizing efficiency and long-term sustainability, including closed-loop, zero-water-waste cooling technology across its portfolio. The company maintains data centers in key markets in North America (Atlanta, Chicago, Clarksville (AR), Houston, Moses Lake (WA), Northern Virginia, Los Angeles, and Toronto), as well as in key international markets (Amsterdam, London, and Tel Aviv).
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